The Disclaimer: The (sorry) state of music criticism

Every Wednesday at noon, WMSE’s Ryan Schleicher, Shepherd Express’ Evan Rytlewski, and Milwaukee Record’s Matt Wild take to the WMSE airwaves to discuss all things Milwaukee. This half-hour fun-fest is called The Disclaimer, so named because none of the oft-ridiculous views expressed on the show necessarily reflect the views of the hosts’ employers. Milwaukee music, Milwaukee art, Milwaukee events, and D.I.Y. lawn care tips are frequently discussed—and rarely agreed upon. The Disclaimer: talk radio for the sane.

In an age of free streaming and legal downloads, major labels are less likely to provide publications with advance promo copies of albums for review. So what does this mean for the state of music criticism in 2014? Ryan, Evan, and Matt try to explain the phenomenon of dwindling review copies, with Evan pinning it on infamous album leaks of the past, Ryan tying it in to publications’ new role as content providers, and Matt equating it to “not-screened-for-critics” movies. As always, “Weird Al,” Twin Peaks, and “Gamergate” somehow figure into it all.

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